Control of Barberry

Barberry is noted for its prickly spines.

Barberry (Berberis) is a genus of about 400 species of shrubs. They are distinguished by their spiny branches and bright yellow interior wood. The flowers are generally yellow, appearing in spring, and the fruits are small red berries. By far the most common barberry species is Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. It is invasive and difficult to control in many areas.

Invasive Qualities

Barberry fruits are attractive to birds and small animals, who help disperse the seed, which has an extremely high germination rate. The shrubs increase in size over time -- producing even more berries in the process. Plants regrow readily from root fragments as well. The best control is to avoid planting the species form. In many instances, however, barberry pops up on properties as the result of random seeding by birds. The best control starts with vigilance, especially in out-of-the-way garden spaces and the bases of hedges.

Control

Very young plants are easy to identify because of their small oval leaves and thorns. Young plants can be pulled or dug out of the ground, especially when the ground is soft after rain. Larger plants can be cut back to the ground, after which the area should be covered with black plastic and a layer of organic mulch. This covering should be left in place for as long as possible. Watch for regrowth, pulling out any seedlings that appear near the location of the parent plant.

Alternatives

Once barberry is under control, substitute alternative plants that are less invasive. For a similar thorny shrub that can be used as a barrier or privacy hedge, try the hedgehog rose (Rosa rugosa), hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9, featuring fragrant single or semidouble flowers, thorny canes and large red fall hips. Equally showy and just as thorny, Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) features roselike spring flowers, long thorns and toothed, ovoid green leaves. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Considerations

Removing barberries, whether by pulling out young seedlings, digging up older specimens or cutting the shrubs back to the ground before smothering, requires sturdy hand and arm protection, bcause repeated contact with spines can irritate skin. All parts of the plant, including the fruits, can cause gastric distress if ingested. Because of these issues, barberries, even those species and varieties billed as noninvasive or less invasive, are not suitable for use near areas where children play.

About the Author

Elisabeth Ginsburg, a writer with over 20 years' experience, earned an M.A. from Northwestern University and has done advanced study in horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden. Her work has been published in the "New York Times," "Christian Science Monitor," "Horticulture Magazine" and other national and regional publications.